Google starts testing its ‘Wi-Fi balloons’ in California

Regardless of what Bill Gates thinks, Google is going ahead with its initiative to improve Internet access in Africa with large balloons that can send Wi-Fi signals to rural parts of the continent. Google said this week that it’s started running tests of its Project Loon balloons in California’s Central Valley “to research various approaches for improving the technology, like the power systems (solar panel orientation and batteries), envelope design, and radio configuration.” The company has already been testing out the balloons in both New Zealand and some parts of Africa, although there’s still no timetable for when Google’s balloons will be ready to deliver service.